Bedford Hockey Club enjoyed another fruitful week across the region’s pitches, with the Ladies 1st XI leading the way with an important victory against St Albans.
Their 3-1 victory opens up an eight point gap from St Albans in 3rd, and just three points behind league leaders Sutton Coldfield with the two meeting next weekend.
The Ladies 2nd XI also hold second spot in their division as they despatched Crostyx and now sit two points behind leaders Letchworth ahead of a trek to Southend.
The Ladies 3rd XI succumbed to yet another frozen pitch; the conditions halting their impressive run of form but the 4th XI more than made up for it with a stunning 7-0 away win in Potters Bar.
The 4th XI also join their counterparts in second place in their division, with the higher echelons of Bedford Hockey Club all making their move on the summit.
One team who are at the summit are the 5th XI, their impressive 9-2 victory against St Albans cementing their place at the top of Division Five and taking their goal count for the season to 85.
The 6th XI, who are still holding their own in a strong division, were the only casualties among the Women’s division as they as their battle against Bishops Stortford ended in a 2-1 loss.
The 7th XI rounded off a brilliant week for the Ladies with a hard fought 2-1 victory against Shefford and Sandy, and travel to Potters Bar next week.
Men unable to replicate Women as they fall at Lichfield
The Men’s 1st XI made a long-awaited return to league action on Saturday and despite some fluid attacking play, they fell 4-0 at a strong Lichfield side.
It doesn’t get any easier for the 1st XI either as next weekend they travel to table-toppers, Harbourne who are still undefeated.
The 2nd XI fared much better, seeing off Brentwood with a fine 5-1 win, although they too face league leaders in Old Loughtonians next.
A 3-3 draw for the 3rd XI at Hertford saw them creep up their division although they do have a game in hand, while the 4th XI beat Broxbourne 3-1.
There were however heavy defeats for the 5th XI and the Vets, who both shipped eight goals to Hertfordshire opposition in a difficult weekend for them.
The weekend ended on a high though as they 7th XI – a squad for developing players – pulled off a 4-3 victory against Southgate Adelaide.
